Welcome!

"Although globalization has been seen as the defining process of our time, we seem to be uneasy and confused about what kind of world we actually live in."-Carl W. Ernst

Monday, February 8, 2010

An Education

A movie I saw recently called An Education (directed by Lone Scherfig) has been nominated for numerous Academy Awards.

The premise of this movie is that a young, high school girl becomes infatuated with an older man and is seduced by his way of living.

This reminds me of what we are learning in Proverbs with the path of the wise and folly. Jenny, the protagonist, is drawn to the easy access of rubbing elbows with cultured individuals. However, what she doesn't understand is that her friends are merely bringing her into a facade, and that it is impossible to truly appreciate culture without her education.

There are many parallels in this movie to the young son in Proverbs. She is seduced by the adulterer, who really does bring her to ruin and shame. Although she never accepted it, she looks over her boyfriend, David's, life of crime so that she will be able to enjoy the luxury that his money provides.

The viewer cringes throughout the entire movie as Jenny slowly walks onto the path of folly, which is essentially what the book of Proverbs warn the reader about. One of the pivotal scenes of the film is where she finally admits that her actions were her own undoing. She says "I feel old, but not very wise."

Besides watching this through the book of Proverbs, it also has other themes like the importance of education, the need for money, the longing for a true sense of security along with freedom, etc.

This has been a very interesting film. However, I do caution the readers in that you will cringe and worry throughout the entire movie for Jenny's demise. Also, there are some inappropriate scenes/ dialogue so don't watch it if you know you're a prude.